LION® alloy F60

Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205): Product Introduction

Duplex stainless steel F60, also known as UNS S32205, is a versatile alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and durability. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205), covering its chemical composition, mechanical properties, performance at different temperatures, industry applications, shapes and sizes, production standards, welding and processing capabilities, advantages and disadvantages, and a comparison with similar alloys.

Chemical Composition

Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205) has a balanced chemical composition that enhances its corrosion resistance and mechanical strength:

ElementComposition (%)
Chromium (Cr)22.0 – 23.0
Nickel (Ni)4.5 – 6.5
Molybdenum (Mo)3.0 – 3.5
Manganese (Mn)2.0 max
Silicon (Si)1.0 max
Carbon (C)0.030 max
Phosphorus (P)0.030 max
Sulfur (S)0.020 max

Mechanical Properties

Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205) exhibits excellent mechanical properties suitable for a wide range of applications:

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength, ksi (MPa)90 min (620 min)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset), ksi (MPa)65 min (450 min)
Elongation (% in 2 inches)25 min
Hardness, Rockwell C (HRC)30 max

Performance Characteristics

Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205) offers superior performance across various conditions:

  • Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC), pitting, and crevice corrosion in aggressive environments, such as seawater and chemical processing.
  • Strength: Good combination of strength and toughness, suitable for structural applications requiring high mechanical properties.
  • Weldability: Good weldability with appropriate filler materials and techniques, ensuring ease of fabrication and repair.

Industry Applications

Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205) finds extensive use in industries requiring robust corrosion resistance and high strength:

Industry SectorApplications
Oil and GasOffshore and subsea pipelines, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels.
Chemical ProcessingPetrochemical plants, desalination systems, and chemical reactors.
ConstructionStructural components in bridges, buildings, and architectural features.

Shapes and Sizes

Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205) is available in various forms and sizes to meet specific application needs:

  • Forms: Sheets, plates, bars, tubes, pipes, and fittings.
  • Sizes: Thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 50 mm for plates, and diameter ranging from 6 mm to 300 mm for round bars.

Production Standards

Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205) adheres to international production standards ensuring quality and reliability:

Product FormShapes AvailableSizes AvailableProduction Standards
Plates/SheetsSheets, PlatesThickness: 0.5 mm – 50 mmASTM A240, EN 10088
Bars/RodsRound bars, Square barsDiameter: 6 mm – 300 mmASTM A276, EN 10088
Pipes/TubesSeamless, WeldedOD: 6 mm – 300 mmASTM A790, ASTM A789

Welding and Processing

Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205) offers good weldability and processing characteristics:

  • Welding: Can be welded using standard methods like TIG, MIG, and submerged arc welding, with proper preheating and post-weld heat treatment to maintain corrosion resistance.
  • Machinability: Generally lower than austenitic stainless steels, requiring slower speeds and more power for machining operations.

Advantages and Disadvantages

AspectDetails
AdvantagesExcellent corrosion resistance in harsh environments, good combination of strength and toughness, suitable for diverse industrial applications.
DisadvantagesLower toughness compared to austenitic stainless steels, requires careful handling during welding and fabrication due to its dual-phase microstructure.

Comparison with Similar Alloys

Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205) is often compared with other duplex stainless steels such as F51 (UNS S31803) and super duplex stainless steels like F55 (UNS S32760). Here’s a brief comparison:

Alloy Type/PropertyDuplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205)Duplex Steel F51 (UNS S31803)Super Duplex Steel F55 (UNS S32760)
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent resistance to chloride-induced corrosion including pitting and crevice corrosion.Excellent resistance, slightly lower than F60 in aggressive chloride environments.Enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in seawater applications.
StrengthGood combination of strength and toughness, suitable for structural applications.High strength with good toughness, suitable for general-purpose applications.Highest strength among duplex steels, ideal for heavy-duty applications in harsh environments.
ApplicationsOil and gas, chemical processing, construction sectors.Similar applications with broader use in structural and architectural applications.Offshore platforms, heat exchangers, and seawater handling systems.

This detailed article introduces Duplex Steel F60 (UNS S32205), highlighting its chemical composition, mechanical properties, performance characteristics, industry applications, available forms and sizes, production standards, welding and processing capabilities, as well as advantages, disadvantages, and a comparison with similar alloys. Engineers and professionals seeking durable materials for applications requiring corrosion resistance and high strength will find this information valuable for selecting the appropriate alloy to meet specific operational needs.